What is your self-care?

Today, I am empty.

You see, I have anxiety. I’ve had it for years.
Sometimes it flares up, and everything around me is wrong and I am wrong and life feels wrong.
And if you fixed everything I’m worried about, I don’t know if I could feel differently.

Sometimes it’s just annoying background music.
Others it takes the life from me.

Last fall I finally decided to try medicine.
It didn’t do anything for me.

We switched meds cold turkey and I felt like I was hit by a dump truck for a few days.

It was horrible.

I have a new appreciation for people going through medicine changes.
Oh boy, it’s rough.

I’m happy to say that this new medicine is finally helping.
My anxiety has been amazing for the last few months. Almost non-existent.

I have amazing friends who have been there for the struggle. One friend is Lani, an amazing blogger who has loads of great advice.
One thing I always remember her telling me when I’m feeling that panic rising, is to breathe. In, and out. In, and out.
And to fix my self-care routine going forward.

Most of the time, flare-ups of anxiety happen because we’re not taking care of our bodies.

Forced time out, I guess.

As it nudges us to make changes we burst forward, thinking if we just pick up the pace, and get more done, then everything will be alright.

But it’s not.

And then we’re not.

That’s what happened to me this time.
Lack of good sleep and nutrition, here I am.

Self care isn’t manicures and massages.
It can include those things, of course.

What is self care?

Self care is listening to yourself. Your physical and your spiritual self.
Self care can be sitting quietly on your bed for 5 minutes by yourself.
Self care can be stretching your shoulders over the steering wheel of your car.
Self care can be taking a 20 minute shower, or a 5 minute shower, whatever YOU want to do.
Self care can be signing yourself up for a class.
Self care can be starting the business you’ve talked about for years.
Self care can be listening to peaceful music.
Self care can be blasting your favorite high school band in the car.
Self care is drinking water.
Self care is learning to sleep better.
Self care is giving yourself mental space, even if only for 2 minutes at a time.

What do YOU do for self care?

I would love to hear.
Please feel free to share what helps YOU feel more you.

Not sure why the crash today.
Maybe I’m going through this right now so we can open the dialogue between us.
Maybe it will help you know that you’re not alone.
Or just that you can send positive vibes my way.

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More about Amber

I am Amber! I grew up in Upstate NY making cards and crafts and paintings with my artist mother. She taught me from a young age to love creating, and I am grateful to share that love with you. I have 4 children and a nerdy stats professor husband, living in the woods of South Jersey. Read about this creative journey…